It’s obvious I have travel on mind; as soon as the holidays are over and we’re well into the new year, the wanderlust kicks in. This year, I took a bit of a different approach- I made a list of dream destinations and from there selected my top priorities to fit around my work schedule. I get asked quite often how I travel as frequently as I do, with a full-time corporate role. A lot of careful planning. I tend to coordinate around long weekends, sneaking in an extra day off without cutting into my vacation days. Also, I never, repeat never, take a sick day. I don’t even count account for them, all my days off are simply days for me to skip town!
To feel like a true vacation, I tend to crave destinations far away from home, but often times, that’s simply because I feel like I get more for my money’s worth. When your roundtrip flight to Reykjavik costs less than Spring break to Florida, you go to Reykjavik. In 2017, I managed to visit Morocco, celebrated my 30th birthday in the Greek islands, went to New York for fashion week both times, welcomed winter in Paris and made my way back to Athens to visit my dad.
My first trip of 2018 is this February to magical/intense/colorful/sensory overload India followed by a convenient perk of a 24 hour layover in Dubai. India has been neck to neck on my bucket list along with Egypt. After finally seeing the pyramids a few years back, I’m so grateful to visit this beautiful country, too. I had planned to go during this time of year so that I can be there to participate in Holi Festival; a celebration as colorful as its people.
In May, I make my way to Belgrade for a wedding and truth be told, I’m really excited to experience the city solo.There are so many cool, hidden gems in Belgrade to discover. I’m also looking into getting my teeth done since it’s incredibly affordable, but I’ll save my ‘medical tourism’ spiel for another post. Since it’s just a hop, skip and 1 hour flight to Athens, I’ll be heading south to visit my dad and catch up on Vitamin Sea. I am eagerly looking to buy a second home in Athens and hope this trip will solidify those plans! Stay tuned.
Over Labor Day weekend (read, extra day off from work), I’m headed for a long weekend to Reykjavik. Flights were at an unbelievable price, the weather should be bearable according to my standards and of what I understand, it will be almost a full 24-hours of day light at that time of year. Since this will be another solo trip, I have plans to rent a car and explore the entire island. I’m especially looking forward to the healing properties of the Blue Lagoon!
In November, I am finally going to Mexico City for el dia de los muertos; a holiday I’ve always been really interested in. There’s no doubt that DF has been gaining attention for it’s food scene, boutique hotels and overall art world, so I’m really looking forward to seeing it at a time where celebrations will be in full swing.
What else is on my list for this year? Portugal is a high-contender along with Tokyo and Thailand. I tend to travel during Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays, so I may book one of these depending on prices. Other aspirations? Get better at documenting my trip and sharing it with you all, here! I’m investing in some products that will make traveling solo a bit easier and I’ll make sure to share those in a future post!
Where are you headed in 2018? I would love to hear how you feel on traveling solo as a woman! Leave your comments below xx
We are also going to India & Dubai in February. We fly Etihad, so we’re taking a break in Dubai & Abu Dhabi on the way back to the U.S. I’ll be solo in India for most of this trip. My husband will go to Bengaluru for work and I’ll stay in Chennai. My solo travel is unusual because we have an apartment in Chennai and I know the neighborhood. My goals for this trip are to 1) find more tolerance and patience within myself when pushed, and 2) find my own way in India separate from my husband’s family there – meeting people with common interests, volunteering, etc. I look at the solo travel time as self improvement time.
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I love this Deb and I completely understand. I feel the same way when it comes to Greece, also a second home to me, it’s nice to see the city as you would when first being introduced rather than the identity that’s already been created by someone else. I hope you have a wonderful trip – too bad we aren’t a bit closer, I would have said to meet up but I’ll be up north in New Delhi and in the cities surrounding. Hope you have a wonderful trip and really find ‘you version’ of India! happy and safe travels! xx
Have a wonderful time around New Delhi! I look forward to seeing your photos. The weather has been fantastic here in South India. Not too hot. Though we had to find someone to plow our driveway back in Illinois so our cat sitter could get to the house. It’s the best time to get away from the snow!
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So glad to hear, Deb! The weather here has been less than forgiving but it looks like we are on the upswing of things. I’m two weeks out and finally getting excited and slightly nervous! Enjoy your travels! xx
First, thank you for sharing your travels in 2017 and your upcoming travels. I love hearing about your plans as it inspires me to stop stalling and just buy those plane tickets. Some travels I plan in advance but others I just like to find and buy on a whim. It’s the best feeling regardless of when you buy your tickets. I’m so excited for you. I am planning to go to Iceland as well either on Labor Day weekend or thanksgiving! If you don’t mind an extremely humid area, Panama is a beautiful place that I would recommend. Casco Viejo is a must see. I have always wanted to go to Greece and India! It doesn’t have to be expensive to travel if you’re savvy and that makes it even better to get excited about the deals! I also think not being picky about the days you travel also helps to find good deals. I travel and plan to travel more as much as my work schedule allows. Sorry for the long comment I bookmarked this post because it is truly an inspiration for me, having been recently divorced and losing sight of my wishes. So a wish list is just what I needed to see.
xoxo Janie
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Janie- thank you for your lovely comment. I completely understand, I got divorced two years ago and it has been an ongoing process to rediscover who I am and get back into the things I truly love, like travel. This is the first year that I booked my travel for the entire year ahead. I’m also usually on-a-whim girl and while I love a good, spontaneous trip, it’s also nice to have a plan. It definitely helps when life gets busy and you always find an excuse of why you can’t or shouldn’t take that trip. Now that they are in the books, it’s a done deal and I have something exciting to look forward to every 3 months! I will definitely add Panama to the list! If you need any tips on Greece or India, let me know. Otherwise, I’ll have travel guides up, as well! Cheers to more travel! xx
Yana, I am totally inspired!!! In 2018, I am going to live my wildest dreams: I am going to Africa!!! Senegal and Morocco, I may also go to Valencia or Barcelona, Spain and Porto or Lisbon, Portugal too. I will be with a tour company in Africa for 20 days. Then I will have to explore Europe solo.
Also, I would love for you to document your home purchase in Athens, I would like to invest in real estate abraod as well. Greece, is one of the countries that I have begun to research.
Please post about packing and location-inspired capsule wardrobes!!!
Blessings,
S
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Africa will be an amazing experience! I have yet to go past Northern Africa, but loved my experiences each and every time. And Portugal, too! What a treat, that’s high on my list this year. Can’t wait to hear about your travels.
I will definitely share my experience with international real estate once the ball gets rolling. Lots to research, for sure! I’m planning on sharing another packing list for India and would love to share how I plan my outfits based on location scouting 🙂 Happy travels girl! xx